BIR toughens up on issuance of receipts

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued strict orders for all business establishments in the country to post notices informing the public of the need to issue receipts and invoices.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Dakila Fonacier made this directive in an effort to increase tax collection by the bureau.

Fonacier warned that violators who neglect or fail to implement or deliberately remove the notice will be penalized accordingly.

According to Fonacier, a number of establishments had been apprehended in Binondo, Quezon City and Pasay City for violating such ruling.

"We have to make the public aware that it is obligatory on the part of the business owner to issue a receipt even if the buyer doesn’t ask for it," he said.

The public notice, Fonacier said, will remind everyone that such is the obligation of any person in trade or business. Professionals like doctors and lawyers are also required to issue receipts.

The BIR chief said Regulation 4-2000 mandates the posting of an 8"x12" notice stating in bold letters: "This business establishment is required by law to issue sales/commercial invoice/official receipt. Violation hereof is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. Please report any violation to the BIR."

Aside from this, the BIR is also encouraging consumers to join its raffle promo "Humingi ng Resibo, Milyun-milyon Pa Rin ang Panalo."

Previous raffle promos enabled the BIR to increase its value-added tax collection by about P4 billion. – Donnabelle Gatdula